SAN RAMON—Despite residents protests, the San Ramon City Council approved of a 32-pump Costco gas station on the border of San Ramon and Danville, denying one man’s appeal.

What has been called by opponents as a “mega” gas station, the new Costco fueling station would be located on 3111 Fostoria Way, across the street from the current Danville Costco. The former 2.8-acre Office Depot site is just 520 feet away from condos and townhomes.

Resident Reza Mamoodi filed an appeal shortly after the Planning Commission’s December approval of the project. But City Council unanimously denied his appeal Thursday night, and approved the project.

Would-be neighbors to the gas station and other residents who opposed the project stated the extra traffic generated would be a nightmare, and were concerned about potential air quality impacts caused by emissions of idling cars as drivers wait for an open pump.

Mamoodi’s claims in his appeal were similar: mainly disputing the traffic study, the air quality study, and impacts to the business of local gas stations. In his comments to council Thursday, he urged council to further study of the project.

“The city should do more due diligence. I do think you’re rushing into a decision like this,” he said.

He noted that Costco promised to use only 12.5 million gallons of fuel per year, but questioned then why they had the storage capacity for 40 gallons. Costco’s consultants stated the larger storage tanks allow for less refills by large gas trucks.

Mamoodi also estimated there would be 3,424 cars filling up every day at the station. Costco also disputed this, stating there would be an estimated 1,900 to 3,600 new daily car trips on Fostoria Way. The warehouse franchise has also agreed to install a new traffic light to help decrease that traffic impact.

In the nearly 30 speakers who addressed council during the public comment period Thursday, only about four said they were in support of the gas station. Most who spoke urged council to consider the health impacts, or not approve the project just yet until a full environmental impact report was ordered.

“Traffic will be way worse than they want you to believe,” said one speaker, Josh Hanna.

Even younger residents got involved in the civic debate. A 12-year-old boy, Michael, told the council he was opposed to the new station because his aunt lives nearby, and he’s concerned for her health. “At least conduct a test,” he said.

But resident Nancy Powers was one of the few in support, stating she loved the idea of the station and was “in great support.”

A similar fight against a new Costco store has been going on for at least four years in nearby Pleasanton.  Last month, a citizens group filed an appeal to a judge’s decision that sided with the city, which would allow the warehouse store. The citizens group has filed two lawsuits in efforts to stop the warehouse in the city.

A Pleasanton resident spoke to the San Ramon Council Thursday, stating that he was all for a San Ramon gas station in their city — because he didn’t want one coming to Pleasanton.

Check back for updates.